send-off

[ send-awf, -of ]

/ ˈsɛndˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

a demonstration of good wishes for a person setting out on a trip, career, or other venture: They gave him a rousing send-off at the pier.

a start given to a person or thing.

Origin of send-off

1855–60, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase send off

Margaret Thatcher is to be accorded a send-off filled with pomp and ceremony in London on Wednesday.

Full Details of Plans for Thatcher’s Funeral on Wednesday |Tom Sykes |April 16, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Thoughts on the inaugural speech, the send-off of the Bushes, and the strange karma of Dick Cheney in wheelchair.

Obama's Money Quote |Christopher Buckley |January 20, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
The crew gave them a cheer for a send-off, and received as loud a salute in return.

Fred Fenton on the Crew |Allen Chapman
What could have been more genial than her send-off, three weeks ago?

It Never Can Happen Again |William De Morgan

And besides, that humbug Persse will go and tell everyone in Mayfair, and it will give the whole thing a cachet and a send-off!

The Angel |Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
The three regiments in garrison sent their bands to help our send-off.

A Soldier's Life |Edwin G. Rundle
As a send-off, we gave ourselves a detour and said good-bye to the Ocean Drive.

The Lightning Conductor Discovers America |C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson and A. M. (Alice Muriel) Williamson